Eikando

Eikan-do offers a great view of autumn leaves to those willing to look over their shoulder

Most people know this temple only as Eikan-do, but the official name of the temple once known as a center for learning is Shojuraigosan Muryoju-in Zenrin-ji, quite a mouthful. Eikan-do Temple is famous for its maple trees, and especially the autumn leaves. It is said there are 3000 maple trees growing on the temple premises, and in autumn they all change their color to red, orange, magenta, brown, and yellow. The best time to see these autumn leaves is to come in mid-November.

The pagoda is of course the highest place within the temple premises, so it’s only natural that the view from here is the greatest too. Gaze at the city below you, feel the quietness of the temple become you, but don’t forget to take a photo too.

2Highlight

Amida-do

This is the hall where the world-famous Buddha-looking-over-his-shoulder statue is located. The statue is only 77cm tall, but that is not what is special about it. Normally Buddha statues look forward, but this Buddha looks over his shoulder. This means that you can pray to the Buddha from two directions! How convenient!

3Good Experiences

Stroll around Hojo pond

There is a large pond in front of the main hall. It is surrounded by maple trees, and the maple trees then reflect on the surface of the pond, making for an incredibly nice scene. Take your time to walk around the pond, and also walk across famous Benten Bridge that you can also see in the picture. The tea shop is also inviting, and taking a break here with some matcha tea is sure to become a lasting memory.

Manner & Tips

- Manner & Tips -

When you come into the Amida-do, please take your shoes off and put them in the plastic bag that is provided.

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Price

Overseas Tourist-Friendly

Vanessa

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Eikan-do Temple is famous for maple viewing at autumn and is large enough for a whole afternoon's wandering. Walking on the indoor tatami and wooden houses, tourists will have a feeling of peace brought by the quietness of the temple. Besides maple viewing at autumn, it is highly recommended to have an experience away from the noise of the city because the temple is really calm when it is not the high season.

Eikan-do Temple is so famous for their autumn leaves in Japan that it is sometimes called ""Eikan-do of the autumn leaves."" So the temple is of course famous as an autumn leaves spot, but personally I think that there is always a lot to see at Eikan-do no matter which season you visit. The temple is not that crowded except during the autumn leaves season, though it is a bit far from the city center, I would still like to recommend this temple for those who want to enjoy the history and views of Kyoto in peace.

[From JR Kyoto station]
Take city bus no.5, get off at the bus stop Nanzen-ji Eikando-michi (3-minute walk)
Take city bus no.100, get off at the bus stop Higashi Tenno-cho (8-minute walk)
Take the subway Karasuma line bound for Kokusai-kaikan, change to the subway East-West line bound for Rokujizo at Karasuma-oike station and get off at Keage station (15-minute walk)
[From Keihan Sanjo station]
Take city bus no. 5, get off at the bus stop Nanzen-ji Eikando-michi (3-minute walk)
[From Keihan Jinguu-Marutamachi station]
Take city bus no. 204 or 93, get off at the bus stop Higashi Tenno-cho (8-minute walk)

Open Hours

9am - 5pm (enter by 4pm）

Reservations

Not accepted

Closed

Open everyday

Price range

Adults (Ages 19 or over) ￥600
Children (Ages 6 to 18) ￥400
*Discounts are available for groups of 30 or more.

Credit cards

Not accepted

Overseas Tourist-Friendly

There are English brochures at the entrance. The staff can’t speak English but they are friendly and ready to help.